Heading To Disney World For Christmas? Here's The Full Guide
Visiting Disney World during the holiday season is a magical experience–where the parks are transformed with festive decorations, special events, and unique holiday-themed activities.
A Disney World Christmas is unlike any other, with dazzling lights, joyful entertainment, and a chance to make lasting memories with your loved ones. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect holiday vacation.
When Does Christmas Start at Disney World?
The Christmas season at Disney World usually begins shortly after Halloween and picks up momentum in early November.
While official details for the Disney World Christmas season in 2025 have yet to be released, we can predict based on past years that the holiday festivities will kick off over the Veterans Day weekend, around November 7, 2025. While some events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party start earlier, the decorations and entertainment typically don’t fully take over the parks until mid-November.
In 2025, expect the bulk of holiday festivities, including parades, character meet-and-greets, and special entertainment, to begin around November 12, 2025. Most of the seasonal decorations and displays should be in full swing by this time. This makes it the perfect time to plan your visit.
However, if you're hoping to experience the magic earlier, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney’s Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios are likely to begin a bit sooner, as they have in previous years.
Christmas festivities at Disney World will likely wind down after the New Year’s celebrations. While decorations typically stay up until the second week of January, most entertainment ends on December 31, with the exception of select New Year’s Eve offerings.
What’s New for Christmas at Disney World?
Disney World’s holiday celebrations often bring back fan favorites. However, there’s always something new to discover each year in the four fabulous Disney World parks.
For Christmas 2025, some of the events that made their debut in previous years will likely return, with a few additional surprises. Here’s a rundown of the holiday experiences you can expect:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is the heart of Disney World’s Christmas celebrations. The park is home to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP), a special after-hours event that allows guests to experience the park in a festive setting after regular hours.
During this event, you can enjoy exclusive entertainment, including:
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: This beloved parade features stunning holiday-themed floats, Disney characters dressed in their festive best, and even snow falling on Main Street.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks: A dazzling fireworks show hosted by Minnie Mouse that features Christmas classics and magical projections on Cinderella Castle.
Jingle Cruise: This holiday overlay of the popular Jungle Cruise ride includes Christmas decorations and a festive storyline.
Holiday Treats and Character Meet-and-Greets: MVMCP offers plenty of special holiday-themed food and drinks, along with opportunities to meet beloved characters in their seasonal attire.
Expect tickets to sell out quickly for MVMCP, especially as the season gets closer. For this reason, be sure to plan and purchase tickets in advance.
Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios introduced Disney Jollywood Nights in 2024–a Christmas celebration full of new entertainment offerings. This special event includes:
Glisten, a Skating Spectacular: A dazzling ice-skating show that blends classic holiday music with spectacular skating performances.
Character Experiences: Fans can meet a variety of Disney characters in their holiday attire, including new faces like Bo Peep and Lotso.
Daytime Entertainment: Expect new performances from the Holiday Spirit Band, a dynamic brass group, and Seasons Jukebox, a lively marching band.
While Disney Jollywood Nights tickets may not be as in demand as MVMCP, this is still a unique and fun way to experience the holidays at Hollywood Studios, especially for those seeking a different kind of Christmas event.
EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is a fan favorite that runs from Black Friday until December 30, 2025. The event transforms World Showcase into a holiday extravaganza, with:
Holiday Kitchens: Marketplace booths serve up seasonal snacks and drinks from around the world, from hot chocolate to international holiday dishes.
Candlelight Processional: This beautiful retelling of the Christmas story, narrated by celebrity guest speakers and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir, is a highlight of the festival. Past celebrity narrators have included Neil Patrick Harris, CCH Pounder, and Edward James Olmos.
Holiday Storytellers: Throughout World Showcase, international storytellers share Christmas traditions from their countries. This brings a unique cultural experience during the holidays.
Living with the Land Merry & Bright Nights: A holiday overlay of the classic boat ride through EPCOT’s greenhouses, featuring twinkling lights and festive decorations.
For a truly immersive experience, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays offers something for every member of the family, from food lovers to music enthusiasts.
Animal Kingdom’s Holiday Offerings
Animal Kingdom has upped its holiday game in recent years, and in 2025, you can expect to see festive overlays and activities in every land. Look for:
Tree of Life Holiday Awakenings: Projection mapping on the iconic Tree of Life tells winter tales with beautiful holiday-inspired music and visuals.
Discovery Island Luminaries: The area surrounding the Tree of Life is decorated with colorful luminaries and holiday-themed decorations. This creates a winter wonderland atmosphere.
Merry Menagerie: Life-sized animal puppets will roam Discovery Island, accompanied by live musicians, to create a truly magical holiday experience.
Animal Kingdom’s holiday decorations and entertainment create a more serene and nature-focused holiday experience compared to the other parks.
Best Times to Visit for Disney World Christmas
While the Disney World Christmas season is festive and fun, it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. Crowds tend to peak around the holidays, especially between Christmas and New Year’s.
If you want to experience the magic without the heavy crowds, here are a few tips:
● Early November: This is when the Christmas decorations begin to appear, and the parks are less crowded. If you visit early in the month, you’ll get to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere without the holiday crowds.
● Mid-January: The crowds tend to thin out after the New Year’s rush, and the parks are still decorated for the holidays, making it a perfect time for a more relaxed Disney World experience.
● Weekdays: Avoid weekends if possible, especially during December. Disney Springs and the parks can be very crowded. It’s harder to get reservations or enjoy certain experiences.
If you’re interested in a more relaxed holiday experience, try visiting during the weekdays before Christmas or after New Year’s.
Tips for Enjoying Disney World During Christmas
Make Reservations Early
During the Disney World Christmas season, restaurants and special events fill up fast. It’s a good idea to make dining reservations as soon as possible to secure a spot at popular locations like Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and others.
For hard-to-get experiences like character meals, especially during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, reservations can be competitive. Booking early can save you a lot of stress.
Additionally, for holiday experiences like the Candlelight Processional or dessert parties, advance reservations are also recommended. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a spot at these must-see events.
Plan for Crowds and Wait Times
Christmas at Disney World means large crowds, especially between Christmas and New Year’s.
If you’re looking to avoid long waits for popular attractions, consider using Disney’s Genie+ service or getting to the parks early to take advantage of lower crowds in the morning. Avoiding peak times for rides and dining will help you make the most of your day.
During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the park is less crowded after regular hours. This makes it a great opportunity to see the Christmas parade, meet characters, and enjoy the holiday fireworks without long wait times. Keep in mind, though, that MVMCP tickets are sold separately, so plan ahead.
Dress for the Weather
Though it’s winter, Florida’s weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to pack for the season, as temperatures in December can range from mild to chilly, especially in the evenings.
While you’ll likely experience sunny weather during the day, it’s advisable to bring a jacket or sweater for cooler nights–particularly if you plan to attend outdoor events like fireworks or parades.
You don’t want to end up purchasing an overpriced sweatshirt at the park. That’s why packing your own layers will help you stay warm without breaking the bank. For those extra chilly nights, remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for long walks through the parks.
Prioritize Your Must-See Events
With so much happening, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the events. It’s a good idea to prioritize what’s most important to your group.
If you’re traveling with young children, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or a visit to Santa’s Workshop at Magic Kingdom may be a highlight. If you’re a fan of holiday music, EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional is not to be missed.
For fans of Disney’s animated movies, don’t forget to check out the Frozen Holiday Surprise show at Magic Kingdom and the Jingle Cruise at Adventureland. Animal Kingdom offers quieter but equally festive holiday displays, including the Merry Menagerie and the Tree of Life Holiday Awakenings, both of which are magical in their simplicity.
You’ll be able to enjoy everything Disney World has to offer without feeling rushed by planning ahead and creating an itinerary that includes your must-do activities.
Consider Staying on Property
Staying at a Disney World Resort hotel is a great way to immerse yourself in the holiday magic. Many of the resorts are beautifully decorated for the season.
Resorts like the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge feature impressive gingerbread displays, and the resorts are known for hosting holiday activities like cookie decorating and visits from Santa Claus.
Staying on property means easy access to the parks and transportation via buses, boats, or the monorail. Furthermore, it’s easier to get into the holiday spirit when you’re surrounded by the festive atmosphere in the hotel lobbies and at Disney Springs.
Even if you’re not staying at a Disney hotel, be sure to take time to visit the resorts, especially for the gingerbread displays and holiday decorations. They offer a more relaxed, intimate holiday experience compared to the theme parks.
Don’t Forget About Disney Springs
If you need a break from the parks or are looking for additional holiday shopping, Disney Springs is the place to be. The shopping district is home to holiday decorations, entertainment, and even a Christmas Tree Stroll–which features elaborately themed Christmas trees throughout the area.
During the Christmas season, you can also find holiday carolers, live performances, and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.
While the crowds at Disney Springs can be heavy, especially on weekends, it’s a fun way to extend your Disney World Christmas experience without feeling overwhelmed by the busy parks.
Take Advantage of Free Holiday Activities
Not everything at Disney World during the Christmas season requires purchasing tickets. There are several free holiday activities that can make your trip even more magical.
For example, simply walking around the parks and soaking in the decorations is an experience in itself. Magic Kingdom’s decorations, including the iconic Cinderella Castle transformed with holiday lights, are something everyone should see. EPCOT’s World Showcase features holiday storytellers from around the world. This gives guests a chance to learn about Christmas traditions in different cultures.
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, be sure to check out the special holiday events taking place in the lobby, such as cookie decorating or festive photo opportunities with characters. These free activities add extra holiday cheer without costing you a dime.
Need Help Planning Your Disney World Christmas Vacation?
At byHannah Vacations, we specialize in crafting personalized Disney experiences tailored to your preferences. With our expert guidance, we’ll make sure your Disney World Christmas vacation is stress-free and packed with magic. From hotel bookings to dining reservations and park tips, we’re here to handle all the details so you can enjoy the holiday season to its fullest.
Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream Disney World holiday, and let us help you create the most memorable vacation of your life!